Ex-Met Health Bell has been awful this season.

Bell blew his third save of the year on Thursday afternoon, walking four straight Met hitters to force in the tying run, then gave up a deep game winning RBI single to Kirk Nieuwehuis, as the Mets beat the Marlins 3-2 at Citi Field to swept the three game series.

Nieuwenhuis' game winner was fitting for the rookie center fielder who had three hits on the day to raise his average to .333, but who has also looked solid defensively.

Bell dropped to 0-3 with an ERA near 10.

In a series that seen excellent pitching, each team's starting pitcher brought their best stuff for the rubber game but neither factored in the decision.

Jonathon Niese (2-0) struck out six in seven innings of four-hit ball, giving up Miami's two runs on a solo homer off the bat of Gabby Sanchez, and Sanchez's ground ball double play in the fifth that scored a run.

Ricky Nolasco (2-0) allowed just five hits and one run in his seven innings for the Marlins (7-11).

The Mets (11-8) open a series in Colorado on Friday night at 8:40.

 

Game notes: Jose Reyes was 0-4 on Thursday, going 1-12 in his return series to Citi Field. Closer Heath Bell threw 46 pitches in 2/3 of an inning as he blew the save and took the loss in the ninth...in comparision, Jonathon Niese threw 97 pitches over seven full innings of work.

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